Some of you may be confused when you see almond milk products and wonder: how is milk from almonds? This plant milk, which has been increasing in popularity in the U.S., actually has many benefits compared to cow milk, and could be a great alternative for some. Read to find out more!
How Is Almond Milk Made?
Almond milk is actually very simple and easy to make! The main ingredients of almond milk are simply almonds and water. Almonds are blended with water, then strained to separate the solids from the mixture, leaving a purely liquid milk substance. You can even make it from almond butter by adding water to it!
To make almond milk from scratch, however, is also simple, and requires a blender, water, and 1 cup of almonds. Make sure the almonds are skinless, and to do so, you can make it easier to peel of their skin by soaking them in water overnight or between 8-12 hours, then rinsing them with water afterward. Afterward, blend the cup of almonds with 4 cups of water in a blender. When the mixture's texture becomes smooth, strain it and you'll be finished!
Why Choose Almond Milk Over Dairy Milk?
Because of its nutritious benefits and ingredients, almond milk is becoming a popular choice for many people. It is a great choice for those who follow a vegan diet, or are lactose intolerant or alergic to dairy. Additionally, almond milk has several health benefits, as it contains less added sugar or other ingredients that are commonly found in other animal-based milks. Because it contains less sugar and carbs, it's great for people who want to regulate their blood sugar and keep it from raising.
Furthermore, almond milk overall is less rich in nutrients and has calories. Therefore, it can be a good option for weight loss diets, and can be consumed in larger servings than cow's milk. (However, remember to check the nutrition labels of the almond milk, as different brands may add different ingredients in their almond milk products!)
In replacement of the protein that is present in cow's milk, more vitamin D and calcium are added, making almond milk a great source of calcium for those who want to strengthen and maintain their bones, and reduces the chance of developing osteoporosis, a bone condition where bones become weaker and feel brittle.
Research has also shown that consuming nuts can reduce your risk of developing a heart condition or disease because nuts contain nutritious fats. As a result, drinking almond milk would provide a source for nuts and can lead to long-term health benefits.
Thank you for reading!
Written by: Janice Le
References:
Arnarson, Atli. “7 Benefits of Almond Milk.” Medical News Today, 3 June 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318612#summary.
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